Three Bears: Jennings too hot

Cornerback Tim Jennings celebrates after returning an interception for a touchdown in the 4th quarter. (Chris Sweda/Tribune Photo)

Too hot: Tim Jennings

Tim Jennings didn't shut down Steve Smith last week, but the Panthers wide receiver wasn't a one-man wrecking crew. When presented with opportunities to make plays, Jennings delivered again. His two interceptions gave him a league-leading six, a remarkable turn of events given that he seemingly dropped most chances over the last two seasons. Jennings is four picks shy of Mark Carrier's team record and two behind Nathan Vasher's total in 2005, when he was named to the Pro Bowl. "The Hawk," as Jennings is called, just might get there.

Too cold: D.J. Moore

D.J. Moore returns to Nashville, Tenn., where he played in college at Vanderbilt. He needs a well-rounded game to hold off a push from veteran Kelvin Hayden, the backup at nickel back. Moore has struggled making tackles in the open field, something he had done well. Whether the coaches simply are trying to push Moore's buttons or soon will be contemplating a change remains to be seen. The secondary is playing well and in the past the Bears seemingly have made moves just to make moves and that rarely works.

Just right: Julius Peppers

Julius Peppers had two sacks against his former team to give him a team-leading 51/2 for the season. The coaching staff has Peppers, 32, on a managed practice schedule this year, typically giving him one day off per week. The Bears label it a "coach's decision," but Peppers revealed before the season he was battling plantar fasciitis, a painful foot condition. So far, the Bears' plan for Peppers is working. He remains the main cog in the front seven, the first player opposing teams plan around. That is what the Bears are paying him to be.